The Council for the Rural Area (RLG)

Raad voor het Landelijk Gebied

Raden voor de Leefomgeving en infrastructuur:
tav.
Raad voor het Landelijk Gebied (RLG)
Visitors' address:
Oranjebuitensingel 6/4           
2511 VE Den Haag          
Postbus 30949, ipc 105         
2500 GX Den Haag                 
The Netherlands                           Tel. +31 703391989 | 703391505 Fax. +31 70 339 19 70
raad.landelijk.gebied@minlnv.nl
www.rlg.nl
As from 1 September, RLG will have a common office with the VROMraad at this address:

Nieuwe Uitleg 1 
2514 BP Den Haag 
p.a.: Postbus 20906 2500 EX Den-Haag

The Netherlands


Current and Future Activities

Establishment and Mission

Council Members and Staff Members

Working Style

List of Selected Publications 


Current and Future Activities

What does the future hold for the Council for Rural Areas? The policy paper submitted by Minister Ter Horst in 2007 on the renewal of government services (Nota Vernieuwing Rijksdienst) proposes that the current advisory councils be accommodated in five policy clusters. Hopefully, this will lead to more integrated recommendatory reports. It means that the Council for Rural Areas, the Council for Housing, Spatial Planning & the Environment and the Council for Transport & Water Management will be bundled in a new 'Council for the Living Environment'. The policy paper sparked a broad debate on the future of the advisory and knowledge infrastructure. This debate continued unabated in 2008. At the end of 2008, Minister ter Horst sent a policy paper entitled Kwaliteit van de verbinding (Quality of the Connection) to the Dutch Parliament. The Lower Chamber voted to continue along the same route. This meant that the Council for Rural Areas had to get ready to merge with the other two councils. Anticipating the progress of the paper through the Upper Chamber (which took place in early 2009), the Secretaries General of the three ministries began the preparations for merging the three secretariats and accordingly appointed a quartermaster. In 2009 a new council will be appointed which will advise both Chambers of Parliament on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable development of the living environment and infrastructure, with particular emphasis on housing, spatial planning, the natural environment, climate, water, agriculture, ecology, food and food quality, traffic and transport, and spatial-economic development, both separately and in relation to one another.

The new council will be installed 1 January 2010.

Present Priority Fields

The Council for Rural Area is working on the following advisory topics:

Closing Report 
In its report "Fallow Field", the Council issues recommendations on the position of the provinces in the future development of rural areas. In the past, the rural area has been seen to hold an innate, intrinsic value, whereby urban influences were considered a threat against which it must be protected. Today, the economic and food supply crises, the rapidly growing demand for energy, water shortages, declining biodiversity and climate change raise new societal demands. Moreover, the rural area now derives much of its value from the towns, cities and the urban population. This trend will become even more marked in future. Like other European countries, the Netherlands is experiencing significant demographic shifts, including a falling birth rate, a more varied ethnic mix due to immigration, and population ageing. The overall result is a reduction in the working population, less demand for housing and schools and greater demand for amenities addressing the needs of the elderly. As young people migrate from the rural areas into the cities, the average age of those left behind is increasing. Seniors generally attach great importance to the quality of their human environment. Because the number of households will continue to decrease, there is now an opportunity to create more space for nature and agriculture, and to explore new ways of addressing various social and societal requirements. At the same time, it will be possible to counter trends of urbanization and the 'estrangement' of the general public from rural areas. 

In the Closing Report the Council brings together and refines a number of its published recommendations in the light of recent developments and public debates which were triggered or fuelled by earlier reports. This creates scope for new perspectives. Read more

Coral reefs in the Netherlands
 
The administrative relations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands are about to undergo a dramatic change. At the end of 2010 the Kingdom will consist of four countries: the Netherlands, Curacao, St. Martin and Aruba. The islands of Bonaire, St. Eustace and Saba (the BES islands) will become part of the Netherlands and will be accorded the status of a public entity, similar to a Dutch municipality. The incorporation of the BES islands in the Kingdom of the Netherlands will increase the political responsibility of the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in relation to the natural environment. Though the natural environment will not be much greater in terms of surface area, the increase in richness will be spectacular. Biodiversity in the Netherlands, which so far has numbered some 4,000 species, will increase by around 10,000 species, including 200 which are unique for the Dutch Antilles on a global scale and over 100 which are on the CITES list. The Caribbean coral reefs, atolls and cloud forests rank as important landscape alongside the heathland and the dunes.
Experience has shown that amenities that run smoothly are at risk of being lost during processes of change. Often, these amenities are rebuilt at higher costs to society after problems have mounted and become urgent. Human knowledge and experience are then lost. The valuable biodiversity and natural assets of the islands must not be exposed to this risk.
The local authority on the island bears a heavy responsibility for the policy on the natural environment, but ultimate responsibility rests with the national government. In this report the Council puts forward suggestions for fulfilling the new responsibilities at local and national level. The Council has been in communication with the Dutch Advisory Council for Public Administration.

The published report is published in June 2009.

Colour me Green
The Council was asked to carry out a structural analysis of multiculturalism in the working domain of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. The Council chose the perspectives of 'education and the labour market' because most of the opportunities for multicultural integration lie in the classroom and the workplace.
The Council is exploring opportunities to provide new target groups with sufficient numbers of well qualified personnel. The innovative power and vitality of the green sector are being undermined by the lack of manpower and - particularly - the lack of skills on the job market. This situation is due to fundamental shortcomings, not least the dearth of cultural diversity in the sector. Ethnic groups form an important part of the current and future working population. A large group of increasingly better qualified people have not made themselves available for employment in the green sector. The image of the green sector and the image of ethnic groups play an important role on both sides of this issue.
In a short documentary film that was specially made for this report people explain how their organisations, such as Zaanstreek First in Food (food industry) and Greenport Venlo (horticulture sector), have taken regional initiatives to increase the inflow into the green sector. The recommendations are intended for the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. The report also addresses educational institutes and employers in the green sector.
Response - Anita Wouters, Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality accepted the report on 17 February 2009 on behalf of the Minister, Gerda Verburg. Ms Wouters intimated that the ministry is tightening its control and formulating a vision as part of a broader task to give cultural diversity a visible and quantifiable place in all policy domains and in the ministry's own HRM policy. She said she preferred an active approach and that the Colour Me Green initiatives of the agricultural education centres, STOAS University of Applied Sciences and Aequor expertise centre could be an inspiration for other ANF partners.

Farmers with a Green Heart
In 2008 the Council for Rural Areas, the Council for Housing, Spatial Planning & the Environment and the Council for Transport & Water Management co-produced a recommendatory report for the Randstad Vision 2040 (Connect and Intersect). When the councils were drafting the report it emerged that they did not have an integrated vision of the longer-term perspective of agriculture in the Green Heart in relation to the environmental conditions (water, soil, nature). The Council tackled this problem by examining the strengths of Green Heart agriculture now and in the future and by determining whether they are spatially differentiated. The Council asked the research institute at LEI Wageningen to assess the value, the autonomous strengths and the perspectives for agriculture in different parts of the Green Heart. This resulted in a statistical picture of the agriculture, which now forms part of the report 'Farmers with a Green Heart'. The Council also engaged in one discussion with the agrocluster and a series of informal discussions which were specially designed by CLM Onderzoek en Advies BV to allow groups of farmers from different parts of the Green Heart to voice their opinions. The farmers provided further insight into diversity, strategies and entrepreneurial ambitions. The discussions are reported in 'The Strengths of Green Heart Agriculture'.
The Council has ascertained that, subject to regional differences, the Green Heart is an excellent and strong agricultural area. A new spirit of entrepreneurship is emerging with farmers who see good prospects for the future and who are learning to exploit the benefits of the landscape from generation to generation. The Council will present the recommendations to national and local government, societal organisations and the agriculture sector in a persuasive manner.

The report is presented to the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in June 2009.

Protein Transition
The Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality asked the Council for Rural Areas to address the issue of 'meat consumption' in its work programme. The Council had intended to explore the feasibility and advisability of 'protein transition' with the emphasis on two questions: 

The Council has spoken with the various parties and studied the copious literature. It observes that a lot of useful material has been published recently and that appropriate research has begun - instigated mainly by the Ministry. The Council notes that the production of (animal) protein places a heavy strain on energy, land and water and accounts for a significant share of the worldwide emissions of greenhouse gases. The protein supply chain urgently needs to become more sustainable. Such a transition has the potential to deliver considerable benefits. The Council realises that there are no ready-made solutions Though government action is required, this is a problem which - quite literally - is on everyone's plate.
The Council observes that the above line of thinking is central in the vision of the Cabinet, that it is being propagated by the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and that the minister intends to work out the next stages of the programme in dialogue with the many interested parties. The Council will therefore issue no more recommendations on this theme.

The Significance of Climate Change for the Natural Environment
The effects of climate change on the natural environment also extend to the way our needs are met by nature and how we exercise our responsibility for the conservation of flora and fauna in the Netherlands. Climate change affects supply and demand in the natural environment in terms of quality (which types of ecosystems?) and quantity (which surfaces?). We started exploring these issues this year as part of a broader commission from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
Climate change causes shifts in climatic zones. As a result, the propagation areas of flora and fauna move northwards from the south. Extreme weather conditions are occurring more frequently and threatening the existence of local species. One way to give threatened species a chance of survival is to establish large continuous nature areas with good interconnections on a national and European scale, the idea being that the flora and fauna will move with the climatic zones. However, even an optimal spatial set-up will not prevent some species from dying out in the Netherlands. Meantime, new species will arrive from the south. Changes in abiotic conditions (water/temperature) and the composition of species will cause ecosystems to appear and disappear.
The primary objective for the Dutch government's policy on nature is 'conservation, recovery, development and sustainable use of nature and landscape as an essential contributor to a liveable and sustainable society'. Concrete goals such as stopping the decline in Dutch species by 2010 (European policy) and retaining the composition of species by 2020 at the same level as 1982 (national policy) have been rendered more or less unviable by climate change. Other objectives, such as the hectare targets for nature around cities, may no longer be appropriate in a society under the influence of climate change. This is necessitating a change of policy. The targets for species and ecosystems need to be adjusted given that static aims, such as safeguarding species via conservation, recovery and development, no longer suffice. Targets also need to be defined for steering the spatial dynamics of species and ecosystems. Goals for quantity and locations (e.g. near cities) may need to be recalibrated on the basis of developments in the public demand for nature.

This report is expected to be published as part of a larger report in 2009.

Animal Transport and Animal Welfare
The commotion in the spring of 2008 about the plight of animals during transportation reflected the increasing public interest in animal welfare and prompted the Council to look into the possibilities of formulating recommendations on animal welfare in the meat production industry. More and more people are defending the right of animals to a decent existence. The concern for animal welfare is expressed not only through legislation, but also in political pressure for even tighter legislation and in action groups that launch campaigns directed at meat producers, shops and consumers. Apparently, a large part of the Dutch population feel that our meat production needs more regulation. But safeguarding animal welfare is no simple matter. The responsibility is spread across different parts the production chain. The meat market is an international market in which the Netherlands has only limited freedom. Competition is keen, so the extra costs of animal welfare would soon have profound economic implications. The complexity of the situation is impeding attempts to improve animal welfare.
The Council notes a willingness on the part of all the parties involved and has observed an improvement in animal welfare, but it finds the pace far too slow. Given the vested interests and the complexity of the problem, the parties approach one another with caution. This attitude needs to be broken by some straight talking. The Council feels that the parties should do more to remind the consumer of his responsibility. The government - in keeping with the spirit of the times - is becoming increasingly wary and the consumer refuses to accept any moral standpoint that it adopts. Stores and production chains are all too aware of the different interests that are at stake so they do not approach the consumer. Businesses that do not produce animal-friendly products are afraid of losing their share of the market. Campaigning organisations that can appeal to the consumer and put pressure on retailers at the same time can be very effective (free-range eggs, pig castration, organic milk).

The Council's recommendations will look at the possibility of using financial incentives to encourage consumers to buy animal-friendly meat.

The report is expected to be published in mid-2009.

Former priorities

2008 the RLG had the following priorities:

The Council issued the following recommendatory reports in 2008: 

For even earlier priorities, see the following links:

Priorities and advisory programme 2008

Priorities and advisory programme 2007

Priorities and advisory programme 2006

Priorities and advisory programme 2005

Previous priorities and advisory programme 2004

Previous priorities and advisory programmes 2002-2003

Previous priorities and advisory programmes 2000-2001

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Background

Establishment

The Advisory Council for the Rural Area (RLG) was statutorily set up by the Law on the Council for the Rural Area in combination with the Framework Law on Advisory Councils, and is one of the broadly based advisory councils in the advisory system of the Dutch Government. The Minister of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries established this Council in 1997. Independent advisory bodies have a solid basis in the Netherlands, as the Constitution stipulates that the government must take advice from independent advisory bodies.

The RLG was set up on 28 January 1997, by the Minister of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries.

The council is currently under reconstruction. Together with the Council for Housing, Spatial Planning & the Environment (VROM-Raad) and the Council for Transport and Water Management will be bundled in a new 'Council for the Living Environment'. The new council will be installed 1 January 2010. For more information see "Current and future activities"

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Mission

The Council advises the Dutch Government and both Chambers of Parliament on strategic policy questions concerning the rural area, nature, agriculture and food quality. Considering this advisory task, the Council intends to take the concept of rural area broadly. The RLG's advice is also focused on nature, recreation and businesses connected with agriculture in and around urban areas.

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Council members

The RLG has 10 Council Members. The law prescribes that its members must be independent and that they must be appointed on the basis of their expertise in the sphere of activity for which the Council was established, and for their knowledge and their experience in society and governance. The Queen appoints new members of the council on advice by the Minister of Agriculture. The members are appointed for four years and can be re-appointed twice. 

Chairman
 Prof. Peter van Wijmen

Professor Nature Conservation Law, University of Tilburg
Ben van Essen Sociologist
Koos Koolen Independent advisor
Jannie Lamberts Dairy Cattle farmer 
Marjan Margadant-van Arcken Philosopher, Pedagogue
Marijke van Schendelen Freelance advisor on land planning development
Huib Silvis Economist
Frans Tielrooij Politician
Mark van Twist Management Consultant
Kees Jan de Vet Mayor of Leisden

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Staff Members

The Council has a secretariat with around 12 staff. Hans van der Kooi is the Secretary-General.

Work Style

Tasks of the Council

The Council seeks to give independent, solid and compact advice on strategic issues for the medium and long term that matches the policy agenda; independent advice that offer policymakers perspectives and that stimulate societal discussions and public debate.

The advisory reports are accomplished in an open consultation process. For every advisory project the Council composes a working group of Council members supplemented by external experts. This group, supported by one or two staff members, prepares the advice. In this, the Council applies various forms of external consultation. The Council's staff plays an important role in organising and co-ordinating these activities, and in fitting and integrating the results in the advice.

The Council consists of 11 independent members, chosen because of their specific experience and expertise built up within science, through practical experience within societal organizations and/or administrative background.

The Council develops its annual advisory programme in consultation with the department. The advisory programme has been approved by the government. The Council is free to add important issues but is expected to inform the minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality about these new issues.

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Council Meetings

The Council meets every third Thursday of the month, ten times per year. For  2009 the meetings are scheduled for:  15 January, 19 February, 19 March, 16 April, 14 May, 24 and 25 June, 17 September, 15 October, 19 November, and 10 December.

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Type of Advice

The Advisory Programme of the council contains issues formulated by the government or by own initiative of the council.

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Activities in the EEAC Network

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List of Selected Publications

Not all the advisory reports have an English summary. The data below reach back, furthermore, to 2001 only. For a full list of reports and publications, see www.rlg.nl.

Copyright © 2000-2009 by European Environment and Sustainable Development Advisory Councils, Den Haag. All Rights Reserved.
Last update: 05 October 2009